Welcome! It is my desire to assist you in making informed decisions about your treatment. As a client of psychotherapy and as a consumer, you have certain rights. Therefore, I will explain the information you are entitled to know, such as my view of the therapeutic process, and my expectations for the cooperative working agreement. Please feel free to ask questions about any of the following information.
1. Education and Training:
Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Liberty University, April 2015
Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Florida Institution of Technology in May 2006
Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, May 2003
2. Credentials, certifications, and Licenses:
Professional Licensed Counselor 3767
3. The Therapeutic Process:
Counseling has both benefits and risks. Benefits for people who undertake counseling often include a reduction in feelings of distress, more satisfying relationships, increased clarity and resolution of specific problems. Growth nearly always brings change, and sometimes change (even positive change) causes stress. Potential risks of counseling involve recalling unpleasant aspects of your personal history that may bring up distressing thoughts and feelings. You may get worse before you are better since you are in the process of change. Every effort will be made to assist you to reach your therapeutic goals. If you have any concerns about your progress or the results of your counseling experience, please talk with me at any time during our work together.
4. General Structure of Therapy Sessions:
I do psychotherapy in weekly or biweekly sessions of 53 minutes. Length or frequency of sessions can be increased or decreased to reflect your therapy needs. It should be noted that if you arrive late for a session, you are still responsible for the total fee of the session and time will still end as usual.
5. Canceling Information and Scheduling:
You must call to cancel a session equal to and/or no less than 24 hours in advance or you will be charged $25. Certain circumstances may be taken under consideration if this should happen. Appointments can be made either by phone, face to face or by email.
6. Payment:
My fee is $140 for a 53-minute session. Sessions can be increased or decreased as needed, wherein the cost would appropriately reflect this change. Payment is expected upon receipt of services. There is a $10 late fee for past due payments and if I receive a returned check, a $35 fee will apply to the total amount. Phone consultations of 15 minutes or more will be charged my office visit rates.
The standard fee for all court-related work is $300 per hour. The standard fee for all other services rendered including but not limited to phone calls and email time (non-administrative in nature), report writing, consultations and authorized release of information requests will be billed at a rate of $110 per hour. Fees for these services are not covered by insurance and will be your responsibility. All requested letters and paperwork start at a fee of $25.
7. Messages:
Every effort will be made to return calls and/or emails within a 24-hour period, unless otherwise stated. I will attempt to check my messages during my days off but no guarantee will be made to call you within the 24 hours. I will however contact you on my next business day.
Email communication outside of counseling sessions are limited. Please email to change an appointment or communicate a special request. Excessive emails, phone calls or harassment will result in discontinuation of the patient/client relationship.
8. Emergencies:
While my practice is not prepared to handle emergencies, please either dial 911 or head to your nearest Emergency room. I have also given you an emergency phone list which you should utilize. Once you have either called 911 or gone to the emergency room, please leave me a voice mail indicating you have done so.
9. Confidentiality:
The information provided by and to a client during therapy sessions is legally confidential and will not be released without the client’s signed consent. Exceptions to the rule of confidentiality:
If I feel there is a threat of you harming yourself and/or other(s).
If I suspect child or dependent adult abuse/neglect either past or present.
If there are collection proceedings.
If a client files a grievance against a therapist.
If there is a court order for counseling.
You should be aware that confidentiality cannot be assured for electric communications like cell phones, emails, and fax. You cannot hold your counselor responsible or liable for breach of confidentiality if you choose to communicate with your psychotherapist by these electric means. You also give permission for such electric communications to take place in consultation with your counselor.
10. Feedback
Please let me know if you ever feel your needs are not being met in counseling. It is important that we can openly discuss your treatment plan and make appropriate adjustments. Premature counseling termination include; conflict phobia, shame, and feelings of hopelessness. I will request for feedback at every counseling session. Your honesty will increase counseling efficiency and treatment success.
11. Client Rights:
You are entitled to information about my methods of therapy, techniques used, duration of counseling (if we are able to determine it), and the fee structure.
You can seek a second opinion from another therapist or terminate therapy at any time.
In a professional relationship, sexual intimacy is never appropriate and should be reported to the board that licenses, registers or certifies the licensee, registrant, or certificate holder.
12. Records:
Records include identifying information, dates of sessions, an initial assessment, treatment plan, and any consultations or collateral contacts made. Your records will be stored safely with attention to your privacy. They can only be released with your written permission and direction. I may sometimes summarize the content related to the request rather than release the entire record.
You will not be given a photocopy of your record, but you will be granted reasonable access. If you choose to read your record, it is my policy to be present in order to respond to any questions or confusion you may have about the recordings.
13. Termination:
Termination will usually be agreed upon mutually, however, you are free to terminate at any time. In rare instances, it may be in my best clinical judgment to terminate services despite your wish to continue. These instances can include: treatment goals have been met, overt aggression, a need for special services outside the area of my competency, and/or a failure to meet the terms of our fee agreement.
Should this occur, the reason for termination will be discussed with you, and you will be helped to make different plans for yourself, including a referral to more appropriate resources. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to ask.
14. Policies:
Upon entering the therapy room, I ask that you turn off anything that rings, beeps, buzzes, etc. You are expected to turn off all your gadgets and make necessary arrangements, so you will not need to be disturbed during your appointment. It is recommended that you leave electronic equipment in your car. This will save you time and expense.
Payment is required at each appointment. Cash, Check, and Credit Cards are accepted and as stated earlier, a $35.00 fee will apply for returned checks.
